This list could go on for days. While the cities and street names may change, several factors are always the same:

Water is lost

Residents are inconvenienced and angry

A hefty repair bill will be in order

We read about these problems every day in the news. They shut down roads, close businesses and schools and force homeowners to wait for a precious resource they need to survive. Additionally, the water loss creates sinkholes, potholes, and damage to public and private property. Simply put – it’s a nightmare.

“This substantial investment at the federal level helps communities like Carlsbad provide sustainable sources of water in the face of California’s historic drought,” said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld in a press release. “EPA is committed to protecting the state’s water resources so critical to our environment, public health and economy.”

Of course, cities aren’t the only ones facing these problems. Aging infrastructure isn’t limited to just city mains – it happens to homeowners too. Unlike cities, homeowners don’t have taxpayer dollars and a repair fund to cover the costs. It comes out of their own budget.

“Most people take for granted the drinking water coming out of their faucets and the drains that take the dirty water away until a stoppage happens, then it hits home how important a working drain and sewer system is to them,” said David Dertz of Aquaflow Plumbing, one of USP’s contractors. “Almost everyone has lost power at some point in their life and it’s an inconvenience. When a water line breaks or a sewer backs up into the home, they just do not know who to call to take care of the problem.”

Our water and sewer lines are more than just things in the ground – they are important parts of life. As the pipes continue to age, failure is inevitable. Investing in your infrastructure today – both public and private – can eliminate another headline for your city and a hefty repair bill for your citizens.